metaethics
/ˌmetəˈeθɪks/
the study of the nature and foundations of moral thought
metaethics in a sentence
“Metaethics asks whether moral facts exist.”
Origin of metaethics
Greek meta 'beyond, about' + ethikos 'moral'
Related Words
hedonism
the view that pleasure is the highest good
altruism
selfless concern for the welfare of others
autonomy
the capacity for self-governance and independent moral choice
deontology
ethical theory that judges actions by adherence to rules or duties
consequentialism
ethical theory judging actions by their outcomes
virtue ethics
ethical theory focused on character rather than rules or outcomes